The News from Lake Wobegon, 1-Month Subscription

"It's been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon, my hometown...." Garrison Keillor first did his monologue in 1974 to an audience of 20 in a St. Paul theater. Today, more than 2.2 million people tune in each week to hear the tall tales and sweet stories about the citizens of this small Minnesota town. Get the latest issue or subscribe!

I enjoyed the stories (simple, touching stories), but was very disappointed at the length of the listens (sometimes not lasting more than 20 mins). I also think the audience for this subscription targets a bit of an older crowd. I prefer This American Life instead.

Walden

Thoreau built his cabin near Walden Pond in 1845 on land owned by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Walden which is considered one of his best works, describes Thoreau's two-year experience as a resident of Walden Pond. Focusing on the concept of self-knowledge, he encourages readers to get to know themselves and the world around them.

I never read this when I was in high school, so I thought I would use a credit to "read" it. At first it was a bit interesting, but it is a very long, tedious book (I guess I don't really care to know how much he spent on food items, or what he thinks a bird is thinking). I thought this book would be much more philosophical, but was disappointed. Additionally, the reader has a strange way of reading (he ends his sentences on a bit of an upnote), which makes it difficult to listen to after awhile. Bottom line... I started using it to help me fall asleep.

Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast of Champions is vintage Vonnegut. One of his favorite characters, aging writer Kilgore Trout, finds to his horror that a Midwest car dealer is taking his fiction as truth. The result is murderously funny satire as Vonnegut looks at war, sex, racism, success, politics, and pollution in America and reminds us how to see the truth.

On a whim, and based on the high ratings that this book received, I purchased Breakfast of Champions. I have never read or listened to any of Kurt Vonnegut's books. But now, after having listened to this book, I am sure that I never will again. The writing is well written, but the characters are too eccentric and uninteresting to me (I'm sure fans of the author will disagree). I've heard that his fans are loyal (maybe the reason why this book's ratings are high), but listen to the sample first before purchasing.

The Da Vinci Code

While in Paris on business, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon receives an urgent late-night phone call. The elderly curator of the Louvre has been murdered inside the museum, a baffling cipher found near the body. As Langdon and gifted French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, sort through the bizarre riddle, they are stunned to discover a trail of clues hidden in the works of Da Vinci, clues visible for all to see and yet ingeniously disguised by the painter.

Despite the writer's elementary writing (simplistic scene descriptions and bland dialogue), and despite the reader's sometimes laughable effort at different accents, I did enjoy the storyline and historical aspects of the book.
I chose the book since it is an Audible's best seller even though I don't typically read/listen to mystery books. My husband and I listened to it during a long car ride, and we finally got into the story after about an hour (the writing and characters do not pull you in, but the storyline and historical aspects do). The book delves into the history and connection between DaVinci's works, the Holy Grail, and the Church. I learned a good deal, as the author's wife studied Art History and the author used some of her research to build his storyline. But still... I would have it enjoyed it more if the writing was better.
To summarize, it's a solid mystery book for a summer listen or a long car ride. Recommended, but lower your expectations before listening.

Den of Thieves

Pulitzer Prize winner James B. Stewart's Den of Thieves tells the full story of the insider-trading scandal of the late 1980s that nearly brought down Wall Street. Stewart reveals how some of the biggest names on Wall Street (Michael Milken, Ivan Boesky, Martin Siegel, and Dennis Levine) crafted a scheme to grab billions before a band of downtrodden detectives brought them to justice.

The book is an in-depth look into the insider trading scandels of the 80's. Have a little bit of finance knowledge before you read it (listen), or you'll lose out on the details of the deals. It's a long story with many characters, but worth the read (listen).
It's a fantastic story that helps you understand how the seemingly "small" decisions of a few financiers turned into one of the most notorious scandals on Wall Street. Sheds new light on the recent scandals, as it made me wonder how the scandals of today must have started out. Highly recommended for those interested in the business world and how the greed of men catches up with them in the end (well, to some extent... you decide).

This American Life, 1-Month Subscription

"Its mission is to document everyday life in this country. We sometimes think of it as a documentary show for people who normally hate documentaries. A public radio show for people who don't necessarily care for public radio. What we look for in putting the show together are stories that we love, truly love." Get the latest issue or subscribe!

A friend recommended that I listen to This American Life (after I complained that I wasn't really into News from Lake Wobegon). This was perfect. It's hard to describe until you've listened to it (or the sample). For each show they put together several tangentially related stories, all revolving around one theme (I haven't heard David Sedaris at all, unlike what another post-er reviewed). Some are funny, some are witty, and some will make you cry. I now tune in regularly to NPR and use my credit for another selection.

Fast Food Nation

To a degree both engrossing and alarming, the story of fast food is the story of postwar America. Fast Food Nation is a groundbreaking work of investigation and cultural history that may change the way America thinks about the way it eats.

Learn the history of fast food, the beginnings of franchised chains (i.e. McDonald's, Carl Jrs), and how the fast food industry works to get your food to you and your kids. Personally, I was appalled by some of the practices. And although I LOVE the taste of fast food, it's changed my views and I'm more picky about where and what I eat now. A highly recommended listen.

The Secret Life of Bees

Lily Owens has shaped her entire life around one devastating memory - the day her mother was killed. When she and her "stand-in-mother," a fierce-hearted black woman named Rosaleen, are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily enters a secret world of bees and honey, and of the Black Madonna who presides over this household of strong, wise women.

A story of a young girl growing up in the south, losing her mother, and finding a family to call her own. I was touched by this heartwarming story, and sad at the end because there wasn't more to listen to. Inviting and keeps your attention.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

David Sedaris' collection of essays - including live recordings! - tells a most unconventional life story. With every clever turn of a phrase, Sedaris brings a view and a voice like no other to every unforgettable encounter. You can also listen to Sedaris in an interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air.

I heard from friends that the book was hilarious, so I decided to purchase it on Audible. It's even better than the book, I dare guess, as the narrator's voice is the author himself. His delivery is perfect and his writing is witty. Don't miss this one!

1 of
3 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

Can't wait to hear more from this listener?

You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.

When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.

* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.